A Sleigh Ride Kiss

A Christmas Match #2

by Jen Geigle Johnson

A man she disdains and a man she loves. What happens when she finds out they’re the same person?

Odette Goodson lives with her grandmother in the beautiful Cheshire County. This Christmas she wishes for caroling, snow, sleigh rides, plum pudding, and a lit yule log, with friends and neighbors all around. Her matchmaking grandmother wishes for her to marry the Marquis of Wilmington. She’s heard only unflattering things about him. To her grandmother's consternation, Mr. Wardly shows up on a country lane, a man who seems to be everything the Marquis is not.

Henry Wardly, the Marquis of Wilmington, arrives from the East Indies in Cheshire County six months after his mother’s funeral. Mourning her loss, with a new shipping line at stake, and his own estate to salvage, responsibilities in Cheshire county frustrate him and slow his progress. But he cannot help but be jolly at Christmas time particularly after he runs into the lovely Miss Odette Goodson. Things grow complicated when she confuses him for a gentleman farmer and has shown nothing but disdain for the heretofore unknown Marquis.

Grandmother Amelie Laurent Goodson will work her matchmaking magic, but will it be enough to overcome the strong prejudice in Odette’s preconceived notions or the immediacy of Henry’s needs to be in London?

Genres: Christmas, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Clean Romance, Regency Romance, Historical Romance

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 28, 2021

About the author

An award winning author, including the GOLD in Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Awards and LDSPMA Praiseworthy's top award for Romance, Jen Geigle Johnson has more stories circulating in her brain than can possibly be told. She discovered her passion for England while kayaking on the Thames near London as a young teenager. HIstory is her main jam. Her literary heroes include the greats: Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. But she has modern sensibilities as well. Six children and an inspiring husband keep her going and make certain she doesn't stay glued to a keyboard or lost in obscure fascinating details of old castles. She once greeted an ancient turtle under the water by grabbing her fin. She waterskis like a boss and hits the powder, falling down steep moguls with grace. During a study break date in college, she sat on top of a jeep's roll bars up in the mountains and fell in love with the man who would become her everything.

Now, she loves to share bits of history that might otherwise be forgotten. Whether in Regency England, the French Revolution, or Colonial America, her romance novels are much like life is supposed to be: full of adventure.

https://www.jengeiglejohnson.com

Twitter--@authorjen
Instagram--@authorlyjen
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorJenGei...

Reviews

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Are you ready to start reading Christmas books? It's a little early for me but you will want to pick this one up, even if you just store it away for a month or so. It's ever so sweet and will bring all the feelings of good cheer and the spirit of winter and the holidays.

Henry and Odette are great characters. It was so easy to like them from the very beginning. I just loved how hard Henry tried to please Odette by paying special attention to her. It was all the little things. And it was all Odette from the very beginning for Henry. Sweet, sweet Henry. Sweet Odette and a very sweet Christmas romance.

This book is on Kindle Unlimited if you have that.

Content: sweet kisses

- I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Julie Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't know about you but I love Christmas stories and could read them all year round. I just can't help but feel all happy and smiley and glowy (I know not really a word but I'm going with it) when I'm reading about Christmas. And I mean, look at that beautiful cover. Doesn't that just give you all of the feels? It just feels so magical when I see the snow and warm clothes on the covers. It makes me remember how much I love snuggling up with my comfy blanket and some hot cocoa and watching the snow softly falling, listening to the gentle soothing Christmas music in the background and being immersed within the pages of my book.

And let me tell you, this book definitely has all of the feels. It was so charming. Odette and Henry were absolutely darling together. From the first page they meet to the final page of their story, I was pulled in and enchanted.

I love a good mistaken identity story and author Jen Geigle Johnson did a fabulous job writing this one. There were so many fun scenes between these two. And the almost catching/figuring out for Odette that Henry is both Mr. Wardlow and the Marquis were just too much fun. Henry is so down to earth and likeable. I would totally be signing up to be his friend and in his company just like the entire township were if I knew him. He's just one of those genuine people that everyone knows truly cares.

I laughed out loud several times. I giggled. I may have slapped my forehead a couple times. But all in all, it was truly delightful.

Content: Clean.

I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.

Happy Reading!!!

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistaken identity is the theme for this sweet Regency romance. Henry Wardlow, aka the missing marquis newly returned from the East Indies, meets his neighbor Odette Goodson and not being ready to announce is presence in town, introduces himself simply by his family name instead of his title. He knows this charade cannot last, especially when the villagers recognize him and he starts to entertain. But Odette’s disdain for the missing marquis and her grandmother’s interference keep him silent for longer than he wishes. When the deception is revealed, Odette feels hurt and betrayed. Can they find a way to be together? I enjoyed this Christmas romance. The characters were well written and very likable, and the story was so engaging that I stayed up late to finish it. Definitely add this to your list if you are a fan of sweet historical romance.

I received a complimentary ebook for review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Marilee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a heart-warming holiday romance and a great addition to the Christmas match series!

Odette has heard nothing but negative things about the "Missing Marquis" but feels a connection to Henry Wardly, a stranger who gives her a ride home. As the two develop a friendship, Henry has to decide if it is worth risking everything by telling her the truth about his identity, especially when business demands he return to London.

I love the mistaken identity trope! These characters were so likable and I loved the matchmaking grandmother. The romance was very sweet (the sleigh ride kiss!) and there were some twists toward the end that I was not expecting. This is a perfect book to get you in the holiday spirit!

I received a complimentary copy from the author but a positive review was not required.

[Shauna Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

A missing marquis, a lonely young lady, a stranger with a secret, what fun!
This is a book sure to get you in the mood for the holidays with talk of the importance of family and community. Odette was orphaned at the age of ten and went to live with her grandparents, her only relatives. Soon though she was sent to finishing school and too soon she lost her grandfather. Now she was back but the world seemed lonely especially in consideration of her grandmother’s failing health. If only the missing marquis would return and care for his tenants and the villagers. He had his steward help but it was not the same. Nor did she approve of him missing his mother’s funeral. While out walking in the woods she is met by a new neighbor driving by in his carriage and is offered a ride. Although it wasn’t quite proper, she accepts Mr. Wardlow’s offer of a ride home. Mr. Henry Wardlow was kind, funny, and very enjoyable. He was also, unknown to Odette, the missing marquis. He had just arrived back from the East Indies after spending years building a successful business to save the estate, missing his mother’s funeral in his absence. Little does Odette know, as she freely complains about the marquis, that he is the person sitting beside her. As their relationship grows, Henry struggles to explain who he is to Odette and what he has gone through but it never seems to be the right time. But how long can he keep his secret from her when so many in the area know his identity? And what will happen when she finds out? An enticing story that will pull you in and keep you reading. I received an early copy and this is my honest review. I highly recommend it.

[Kristy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
.
This was a sweet Christmas romance. I do wish the mistaken identity plot had been resolved a bit sooner.

[Tasha (the_clean_read_book_club) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mistaken identity trope and a matchmaking grandma all woven into a Christmas story? Yep, I’m here for that! The second I read this synopsis I knew I needed to read this one and I’m so glad I did! I loved the gentleness of this story and the sweet, chivalrous romance.

Have you started your Christmas reading yet? If you haven’t been adding these Christmas Romances to your TBR for this holiday season, I recommend you checking them out! I have really enjoyed all of them so far!!

Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.

[Mara · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time for Christmas books. This one takes place in a small village in Cheshire County, where Odette Goodson has lived with her grandmother since her parents died when she was 10 years old. She tells herself everything she needs is in Cheshire especially her beloved grandmother. That is until she meets Henry Wardlow, who unknown to Odette, is the "missing" Marquis of Wilmington. Odette doesn't have any loving feelings towards the Marquis; what's going to happen when she discovers it's Henry, the man she's developing feelings for?

Henry has his reasons for not telling Odette who he was when they first met, and he knows he's taking a chance the longer he waits to tell her the truth. Of course right before he can tell her it comes out and Odette feels Henry has betrayed her. Henry tells Odette how he feels about her before he leaves for London, now she has to decide if she's going to accept his apology, forgive him and be brave enough to live outside Cheshire.

This is such a sweet Christmas story with a mistaken identity and matchmaking grandma thrown in. Henry was so sweet and charming. I loved all the scenes with him and Odette. I kept thinking when Odette started noticing the similarities between Henry and the Marquis she was going to put two and two together, but she didn't. These two characters were so sweet and fun together.

I received a complimentary copy to review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

“With a dear grandmother who loved her and a comfortable home, what more could she want or expect from life? Most certainly, she was perfectly satisfied. She repeated her mantra over in her mind. Happy indeed.”

What Miss Odette Goodson did not realize was that her world was about to change. The chance meeting of Mr. Henry Wardlow sets events into motion that make Odette question whether she would be content to stay in her small village of Cheshire or follow her heart to something bigger. Odette is blessed to have a wise and wonderful grandmother to remind her that love is about forgiveness, about believing the best about someone, and about taking risks.

This charming Regency romance is one that I would recommend reading. Do you like strangers to happily ever after tales? This will be a terrific addition to your collection. I received a complimentary ARC of this digital book and voluntarily chose to review it. All opinions are my own.

[Katri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm vacillating between 1 and 2 stars on this book. This author just isn't for me. I've attempted to read many of her books and end up abandoning them. Her writing is just too wooden, and her characters too predictable with no depth. But it's the writing style more than the characters that is just too much for me. I read this one to about 75% before rapid skimming the rest.

The deception in this book went on much too long. The initial meeting and subsequent carriage ride together just seemed odd (what lady climbs into a carriage with a man she's never met??). And how was Odette so blind that she didn't figure out earlier that Lord Wilmington and Mr Wardlow were one and the same?

The premise behind this book isn't new; I've read books with similar themes that were able to carry out the ideas in a more believable and interesting manner. So I fault the failure of this book entirely to the immature writing of this author.

[Sheila (sheilasbookreviewer) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a perfect Christmas read. All of the wonderful Christmas preparations are underway as the two main characters meet. Odette meets a kind and handsome man who she can't wait to see often. Mr. Henry Wardly is instantly charmed by Odette. There is a secret that Mr. Wardly doesn't share and that he's really her neighbor, the Marquis of Wilmington. You can probably guess what happens from here. Sweet Odette lives with her Grandmother who hopes Odette will soon find a husband. Odette only has eyes for Mr. Wardly but a strong dislike for the Returning Marquis.

Even though I knew how this would all play out, it was such an entertaining read. Everyone else in Cheshire County knows who Henry really is except Odette. She moved in with her Grandmother when she was ten years old and Henry had already left for school. As they grow closer, Henry knows he needs to tell Odette the truth. I so wished he'd told her the truth sooner. So many times he tried but was interrupted. Both of the main character's parents have passed so Odette and Henry are looking for more love and family. Even with all of their flaws, they both are great characters.

This novel is full of funny and romantic moments. I really loved the Sleighride scene the most. It is what I call truly "Sigh" worthy. This is a sweet story of love, forgiveness, and finding one's self. So for a nice afternoon, light a fire, get your hot cocoa ready, then curl up and read A Sleighride Kiss.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mistaken identity stories can be so fun, yet so frustrating at times. Henry was a very sweet guy with his heart in the right place, but he made a few blunders. Odette is such a wonderful girl who longs for close relationships. They were really sweet and had a lot of sweet fun moments together. I'm excited to read the rest of the series.

[Melissa’s Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

A chance encounter, a magical sleigh ride, and mistaken identity begin this delightful Christmas tale that was hard to put down.

Being a Marquis isn’t easy especially when it’s thrust upon you at the young age of twelve. Henry has been away from home for a long time, first with school and then living in the East Indies to build his fortune. When he learns of his mother’s death, he returns to mourn her death and also assess the current state of his holdings. When he meets the beautiful Odette walking along a snowy lane, he can’t help but offer her a ride in his sleigh. Immediately charmed, he unfortunately decides to introduce himself not as the marquis but as Mr. Wardlow. He wants to share his other identity with her, but when he finds out her disdain for the Marquis, he sets out on a campaign to change her opinion.

Odette is finally home for Christmas to spend time with her grandmother after finishing school. She desires nothing more than having a lovely Christmas celebration will all the people she loves. Her charming matchmaking grandmother has other designs for her granddaughter involving the neighboring marquis. However, Odette sees him only as a neglectful, absent landowner who missed his own mother’s funeral. When she is offered a sleigh ride by a handsome man, she mistakes him for a gentleman farmer and he doesn’t correct her. As she begins to fall for Henry, what will happen when she finally realizes he is also the marquis?

I loved the magical setting and could easily picture the beautiful snowy country lanes and the charming town. The characters were fun especially Odette’s matchmaking grandmother. I really liked Henry and Odette and enjoyed watching their romance bloom from friendship to more. Henry is a funny character who is thoughtful and full of fun and surprises. It’s easy to see why it’s hard for him to accept the mantle of the marquis. He’s just as comfortable fixing a roof as he is making calls on the local gentry. He can be frustrating at times because just when it seems he’ll share his identity, something comes up and he doesn’t tell her. He’s a charming character who’s hard not to like.

Odette has a lot in common with Henry. She has a kind heart and enjoys helping her grandmother and the local tenants. She’s no pushover though and definitely has her own opinions. Despite her early disdain for the marquis, as she learns more about him, she’s willing to change her opinion. At times, I wanted to shake both her and Henry because of some of the decisions they make, but luckily things all work out happily in the end.

While this book is part of an amazing Christmas series, each book is a stand alone story. The common thread that connects the books is the matchmaking older women who are all friends and share their endeavors through letters.

It’s a magical enjoyable Christmas story with a slow burn romance that will definitely put you in the Christmas spirit. So excited to read the other books in the series! I received a copy of this eARC from the author. All opinions are my own and freely given. I was not required to provide a positive review.

[Crystal (Books Are Sanity!!!) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Odette and Henry’s story is one for the ages. I loved the magical setting of snowfallen Cheshire during Christmas. The struggle that Odette faced with the marquess and Mr. Wardlow, it kept me page turning! When and how would she figure out what was actually going on? Odette’s grandmother was a great supporting character that I loved. Everyone should have a grandmother who loves like Odette’s grandmother loved her. I honestly wish there was another book because I could have kept reading on it was so good! If you want a story that puts you in the holiday spirit and has romance, A Sleighride Kiss is just the book for you! I received a copy of this book for free; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved this book. It was charming. It pulled me in from the very first, to the end. Odette lives with her Grandmother in a charming village. Her parents died when she was only ten. She loves to go walking, and during her walk she meets a charming gentleman. They start out as just friends. He confides that he has been away for a long period of time, and she agrees to bring him up to date ,in what has been happening, in her corner of the world. The book is based on misidentification. He is really the missing Marquis, from the estate that runs next to hers. His family estate has been run by servants since his mother’s passing. He was to far to make it back for her funeral, which he is very sorry for. Now Odette thinks him a gentleman farmer, and since her opinion of the Marquis is not favorable. He does not tell her. Her grandmother informs him it would be better to wait, until she really knows him better. Well one knows the saying about the best laid plans, and in this case…. I will leave that up to the reader. I loved the ending, and the Epilogue. It was a clean read. A wonderful Christmas story. I gave it 5 stars. This series is delightful, and it will get you in the mood for Christmas.

[Maria Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Christmas story and a mistaken identity romance. Odette's longing for sharing Christmas with people leads her to helping others enjoy the holiday as well. She is a caring person though a little judgmental against at least one person. One she has never met. Henry seems to be coming into himself as well as his role as Marquis. They both have a little growth to make over the course of this story. And they do so successfully. I liked both of them and I liked Odette's grandmother as well.
It was an enjoyable Christmas read and perfect length to curl up by the fire for an afternoon or evening. Don't forget the hot chocolate. Looking forward to reading the next in this series.

No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Kai · Rating 5 out of 5]

Odette lives with her beloved grandmother who wants her to have her first season in London soon. What Odette really longs for is more family and people she loves around her at Christmas time.

Henry Wardlow has recently arrived back from the East Indies. After learning that Odette already has a negative view of him, he hides the fact that he is a Marquis.

Did they fall in love fast? Yes. However, a lot of people in those days did. I liked how their relationship progressed even with the deception. The ending was also well done and not predictable.

This story had a sleigh ride, a beautiful snowing scene, skating and more. The snow always seemed enchanting and added to the atmosphere. This was a very sweet Regency Christmas story.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

For my full review: https://www.bookishwayfarer.com/blog/...

A Sleigh Ride Kiss is a delightful holiday novella set in rural, Regency England. A sweet romance, idyllic setting, & a happily-ever-ending: it has all the trimmings of a cozy, feel-good read. I have written a more detailed review of this book on my blog, which you can read by clicking the link in my bio.

Rating: 3.0/5.0

[Richelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romance - Sweet and Clean
Language - None
Violence - None

****Detailed review to come****

[Courtney Lyman · Rating 5 out of 5]

A sweet story

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a cute Christmas romance. It’s fun that it’s part of a series. I’m excited to read the other books in the series after reading this one. You can check them all out below in the what to read next section.

I loved Odette. I loved the way she lives with and cares for her grandmother. But especially the way she sees a need for the servants and the rest of the town and sets out to fill that need. She’s a lovely young woman. But she has one fault. She does not care for the Marquis of Wilmington. And she lets that fact be known.

It’s kind of funny that she lets that fact be known to Henry Wardly. Who happens to be the Marquis of Wilmington. Only she doesn’t know that. She just thinks he’s Mr Wardly. I enjoyed the way their romance blossomed, even though Odette didn’t know who he really was. He wanted to tell her, but it just didn’t work out.

I wasn’t sure that Odette was going to get her happily ever after. You’ll have to read it to see if she did. But I did enjoy the ending. And the journey there. This is a cute book that I enjoyed!

I was sent an e-copy of A Sleigh Ride Kiss as a gift from the author. All opinions are my own.

[Louie Halfacre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Believable

This was a very average book at best. After reading 40% of the book I gave up and went to another read. The plot was just not believable to me after reading hundreds of Regency novels. One of the first things was her standing beside the road and he stops beside her and invites her to drive with him. She has no idea who he is but accepts and off they go. This action was totally unacceptable in that era. No woman of the gentry class would have spoken to him without a formal introduction and definitely would not have ridden with him without a chaperone. He visits numerous people in the village including the lady with two daughters. When those ladies meet him in the silk making shop and Odette is present they do not curtsy or address him as My Lord which was a common curtesy for his rank as a Marquess. And of course Odette never asked him where he lived and what his work was. It would have been impossible for her not to know he was the Marquess. I would not recommend this book to any other Regency reader as they would reject the plot entirely.

[Stacey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book just as much as the first in the series! I just love Henry and Odette. I read it in one sitting because I was so caught up in their story. It's so good!

[Holly Bleggi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this book! I thought it was so cute. I loved Odette and Henry! I loved how they brought out the best in each other. I loved how there was a case of mistaken identity that caused some trouble but in the end it was able to be resolved. I loved the matchmaking grandma and her attempt to get them together. This was a cute, sweet Christmas story and I thought it was well done.

I received a complimentary book from publishers, publicists, and or authors.  A review was not required and all opinions and ideas expressed are my own. 

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book in this multi author series A Christmas Match, that I have read. This book was so much fun as I enjoyed the relationship that started off with a misunderstanding. I loved the H as he was so down to earth and had the difficult decision of how and when to reveal his true identity to the h.

Odette's grandmother was such a fun character. When she was introduced to Henry Wardly, she immediately knew who he really was and she was intent on being a matchmaker between Henry and Odette. She even went so far as to encourage him to keep his identity a secret so Odette could get to know him.

Odette Goodson had been away from Cheshire County for many years but now that she had returned to live with her grandmother she was getting to know all of the people who lived there. There was a rumor that the Marquis of Wilmington would be returning to the area and Odette's opinion of him was not good. He didn't even come to his mother's funeral. When she met a man on the road while out walking, she had no idea that he was the Marquis. He introduced himself as Henry Wardly and she believed he was a gentleman farmer. Sharing her disdain for the Marquis with Henry Wardly made him decide to keep his identity a secret until she got to know him better. Spending days skating, sleighing and gather Christmas greenery with Henry made her see his gentle and giving nature. Would Odette reject Henry when she finally discovered he was really the Marquis she had been denigrating.

This story was so captivating and I loved all of the Christmas activities throughout the story. This town and it's people were described so well by the author you felt as if you knew them.

I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my honest unbiased review.

[Carol Guthrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading the first book in this series, it was almost painful reading A Sleigh Ride Kiss. Henry Wardly returns home after years abroad and happens upon the sweet, lively, and beautiful Odette Goodson. He is drawn to her like a bee is to honey. Odette feels a similar attraction, but her grandmother frets about the relationship. She wants Odette to marry the Marquis of Wilmington, not some gentleman farmer.

Here is the rub. Henry is the Marquis; he just doesn't dare say anything to Odette because she has a terrible opinion of him - although she has never met him. Her grandmother was a friend of his family but didn't remember his surname is Wardly. She discourages Odette from forming an attachment until she sees "Mr. Wardly" and realizes who he is. But no one tells Odette. The whole village knows the Marquis of Wilmington, Henry Wardly, except for Odette. The scenario makes for a lot of nail-biting stress as readers wonder when the proverbial hatch will fall and how it will affect the relationship.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Christmas books tend to give the warm and fuzzy feelings, and A Sleigh Ride Kiss did not disappoint! Odette and Henry are the main characters of this book, and I just love the name Odette. It's not one you hear very often. This is a tale of mistaken identity, and poor Henry can never seem to get the timing right to set things straight. His inward eye rolls had me chuckling at the situations he got himself into. I love it when you can laugh along with the characters and seem to even feel what they are feeling, and I could certainly do that in this book. I also loved Mrs. Goodson, Odette's grandmother. What a sweet, good hearted and no-nonsense lady! There were just some fun characters to go along with a great storyline. I definitely recommend this read for the Christmas season, or really for anytime you want a sweet romance.

[Elda · Rating 5 out of 5]

And what a kiss it was!
Henry Wardlow had introduced himself as such rather than Lord Wilmington since he had just gotten home from the East Indies and was not quite ready to take on the responsibility of being a lord. Odette Goodson believed him to be a common man and felt very comfortable with him. Henry regretted the confusion but didn’t quite know how to make things right without ruining their relationship. Well, one thing led to another and another and then the kiss in the sleigh ride….ooo la la! It wasn’t just one simple kiss! It was several all at once. So swooney! However, when Henry proposed she turned him down. Well, low and behold she couldn’t understand what got into herself. She became despondent. It was a sad day indeed but then surprisingly things quickly turned around. I was soooo glad they got their HEA. It was well worth the read.

[Megan (messybun.bookishfun) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed Jen’s books. It’s the 2nd in the A Christmas Match Seres (that I read out of order, sorry) and it’s a mistaken identity troupe. Which was fun! Everyone in town seemed to know who Lord Wilmington was, except Odette, who had a negative view of him based on past stories of him. It took some lying and scheming with her grandmother to change her opinion, and you’re gonna have to read Hoyt that turned out!

I also love how the intertwining theme in the series are meddling grandmothers or godmothers. It’s fun to see these first old ladies plotting and scheming to get their loved ones paired up and married off.

So, if you’re a “Christmas any time” kind of reader, pick up this series and enjoy. If not, then just earmark them for this November/December because you’re not gonna wanna miss this series!

[Sarah Beth G. (a.neverending.tbr) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to suspend reality for a bit on this one because it just seemed too easy that she kept missing the clues that he was the Marquess but once I got past that, this was a sweet and enjoyable read. Henry fell hard and fast and Odette had to do a lot of soul searching to determine exactly what she wanted. The third act might frustrate some but I think it was the only way to show tension in their relationship at that point.

I listened to the audiobook and didn’t realize until it started that it was narrated with Virtual Voice (AI). I have an ethical opposition to the use of AI in narration and really didn’t think this was well done anyway. It was very difficult to keep up with who was speaking in a moment of dialogue because the voice barely changes. A human narrator would have been a much better choice.

Content Notes: Kisses